After a 50-year career in the CFL, including his first four as a Rough Rider, Bob O’Billovich was inducted into the Canadian Football HOF this year.
As an all-around college athlete at Montana State University, playing basketball, baseball, and football, O’Billovich has always had a strong passion for sport.
He headed north of the border after receiving a more lucrative contract from the CFL’s Ottawa Rough Rigers than the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings. Bob played, both, quarterback and defensive back from 1963 to 1967 with Rough Riders.
O’Billovich left his playing days behind after his contract with Ottawa ended in 1968 and joined the sports operations team at Algonquin College, Carleton University and the University of Ottawa. In 1970, he led the uOttawa Gee-Gees to the Vanier Cup.
Four years later he returned to the Rough Riders, though this time as a coach. His wealth of experience at the collegiate more than prepared for his new role in the pros.
In 1982, O’Billovich was named head coach of the Toronto Argonauts and held that position until 1987. With the Argos, O’Billovich was named CFL Coach of the Year twice (1982, 1987) and brought home a Grey Cup in 1983.
Over the next 30 years, Bob would hold positions (head coach and GM) with the BC Lions, Toronto Argonauts, and Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He retired in 2012 with the Ti-Cats and now lives in Oakville with his wife Judy. Together thay have three children: Tracy, Jodi, and Coy.
Affectionately known as “Obie”, Bob has played a very important role in the growth and prosperity of Canadian football. He is truly deserving of his CFHOF honour and Ottawa is proud to have been a part of his journey there.
